Macbook Pro stuck at the login screen

This morning I dropped my laptop by catching the charging cable the laptop fell on the floor but everything seemed to be normal.
I then decided to back up straight away so I started time machine. I stupidly started doing some user instensive things on my mac whilst this was going on e.g. playing a game which can sometimes crash. When it did crash I left it for half an hour or so to see if it would bring up force quit or switch out of the crashed programme. This didn't happen so, like i've done in the past, I hard reset holding down the power button.
When I turned on the mac everything seemed normal I got to the login screen and it offered to startup the computer as it was before I restarted. This was a bit odd as I normally get this message when i've actually logged in. My Backup drive also asked for a password which was also strange for the same reason. I then attempted to login to the computer I typed my password in. It was accepted and the screen went white and then went back to the login screen.
I repeated this a few times, restarting etc before I tried using disk utility in recovery mode. When verifying the disk no problems were found. Disk permissions found two problems, which unfortunately I can't remember (1 was to do with the library), I then repaired disk permissions. I tried to start again but got the same problem.
I then stared in safe mode. I'm now meant to be in safe mode but i'm not 100% sure as everything seems the same except everythign is very slow.
Midbackup my computer crashed so i'm wondering if there are any problems there (especially as it was the first backup I made on my new external HD). I'm now trying to backup in safemode but i'm not sure if that's the best thing to do (as not everything might not copy over and I could potentially ruin the first backup to my new external HD). Can anyone give me any advice on what to do next, tell me where I can test whether i'm in safe mode or not and let me know if I should be backing up in safemode.
Thanks in advance
Alex
Macbook Pro August 2011 13 inch
500GB HD
4GB RAM
2.3 GHz Intel Core i5
Lion 10.7.3
UPDATE
After entering successfully what appeared to be safe mode, I restared the computer and tried logging in normally. I got the white screen (as normal) before I reached the login screen, and after entering my password it eventually did log me in. Everything seems normal but I still want to be sure. My computer seems very slow. I only have 1.25GB/4GB free of RAM and I only have two safari tabs open. I'm backing up now but i'm still a bit concerned.
Message was edited by: Alexander Richardson

there is no installation cd, i have hit the command r function and attempted to reinstall from the recovery option stored on the computer. I am connected to the internet. It keeps saying downloading extra components and then once completed just goes b ack to main screen with my old log in informaiton as if nothing has happened. I also attempted to try to do a back up from a restore log and nothing on that as well.

Similar Messages

  • Macbook pro stuck/hangs at login screen ??

    Macbook pro stuck/hangs at login screen and no any controls while i restart last time..3 days before i found many solutions but no one is perfect like PRAM/SCM format command option+p+r and other many but no any perfect solution which can fixed my issue..please help me asap i am so much upset for that coz i am developer and there is many of the data ,  i also run windows on it win 7 so now i am running with that  i have latest 2011 mac OSX 10.7.5 with Core i5 ,4GB, 320 GB so please help me to resolve this issue i am waiting thanks in advan
    Regards,
    Muneeb
    Developer
    <Email Edited by Host>

    Macbook pro stuck/hangs at login screen and no any controls while i restart last time..3 days before i found many solutions but no one is perfect like PRAM/SCM format command option+p+r and other many but no any perfect solution which can fixed my issue..please help me asap i am so much upset for that coz i am developer and there is many of the data ,  i also run windows on it win 7 so now i am running with that  i have latest 2011 mac OSX 10.7.5 with Core i5 ,4GB, 320 GB so please help me to resolve this issue i am waiting thanks in advan
    Regards,
    Muneeb
    Developer
    <Email Edited by Host>

  • Why won't my MacBook Pro get past the login screen

    My MacBook isn't getting past the login. I log in but it stops and keeps a blank screen

    Please read this whole message before doing anything.
    This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
    The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, or by corruption of certain system caches. 
    Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and  Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Test while in safe mode. Same problem? After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

  • Why is my macbook pro stuck on the gray screen?

    I turned on my macbook today and tried to turn it on, only to find out that it decided to stay on the gray screen for quite a while. I have tried to re-boot the system quite a few times, but nothing has helped. I then googled my situation to find a solution. I came across a post from someone who recommended holding down command + V and the power button. A black screen then appeared with a bunch of white writing. I haven't touched it because i dont want to mess it up any more that i already have. PLEASEEE HELP ME!!! Thank you!!!!

    Just take it to the apple store. Same thing happened to me and they fixed it by going on the black screen but dont mess up with that screen let them fix it.

  • My MacBook Air is stuck on the login screen, each

    My MacBook Air is stuck on the login screen, each time I enter the password it stops (but does reject an incorrect password)

    Restore OS X.
    If your Mac has v10.7, v10.8, or v10.9 installed, startup your Mac while holding down the Command + R keys. From there you can restore OS X using OS X Recovery
    For OS X prior to v10.7, boot from your install disc while holding down the C key.

  • Power on MacBook Pro takes me to login screen. All user icons appear as normal. Once I enter password for myself (administrator) spinning takes longer than normal and doesn't log in but displays a no sign

    Power on MacBook Pro takes me to login screen. All user icons appear as normal. Once I enter password for myself (administrator) spinning takes longer than normal and doesn't log in but displays a no sign (circle w line through it) when attempting to login from guest account it takes me to screen that says that the computer will restart to a safe safari system for the guest user. I waited for a longer time and the grey denim screen comes up. By the apple in left upper corner it said I think LSA? Then safari menu bar. The page it loads to us file:///System/Installation/CDIS/Mac%2005%20X%20Utilities.app/Contents/Resource s/English.iproj/GuestLoginInfirmation.html
    Can someone HELP? I'm afraid I might do something wrong

    What backups do you have?

  • My White Macbook is stuck at the loading screen, and disk utility, safe mode doesn't work either. What should I do?

    I went on vacation a few days ago and in El Salvador, they have this mobile broadband sticks. Well, I was using one until it gave me a network error. After that, it shut down my computer entirely. The first time it happened, I didn't think much of it. I took the battery out and put it back in for it could work. It happened another two times, and after the third time, my MacBook stays stuck at the loading screen, and it will take 5-10 minutes on that screen, before it shuts down, or it wouldn't turn on at all. I've tried booting into safe mode, but it appears to not boot into it. I've tried resetting the Pram, and using disk utility, but that still won't work. I don't know what else to do to make it boot into  OS X  Lion.
    I'm an AP student, and the majority of my work is in that computer, and it is very important! What can I do? Not only that, but I enter school in a few weeks and I need the AP work by the time I enter.
    What can I do? Can someone help?
    Thanks

    Reinstalling Lion Without the Installer
    Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alterhatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
    Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
    When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list.  In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive.  If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
    Reinstall Lion: Select Reinstall Lion and click on the Continue button.
    Note: You can also re-download the Lion installer by opening the App Store application. Hold down the OPTION key and click on the Purchases icon in the toolbar. You should now see an active Install button to the right of your Lion purchase entry. There are situations in which this will not work. For example, if you are already booted into the Lion you originally purchased with your Apple ID or if an instance of the Lion installer is located anywhere on your computer.

  • My sound has gone out and please don't tell me about PRAM because my MacBook keeps going to the login screen and I can't hear any start up beeps neither someone PLEASE help me

    my sound has gone out and please don't tell me about PRAM because my MacBook keeps going to the login screen and I can't hear any start up beeps neither someone PLEASE help me

    bcoady90 wrote:
    My guess is a loose connection.
    I suspect you are correct.  I would suggest you bring it to a repair facility that may have better diagnostic tools, preferably an Apple store genius bar.
    Ciao.

  • I turned on filevault but after restarting i got stuck at the login screen.

    I turned on filevault but after restarting i got stuck at the login screen. my trackpad is working but not clicking. i tried random keys and finally got to enter my password via keyboard. now i am afraid of shutting my mac , what to do?

    There is a known problem and I am having exact same issue. Power cycling and internet cache does not fix the issue. When a connection to a server fails it has nothing to do with caching issues. It is a network issue on AT&Ts end in a localized region. It works in multiple towers in various locations but does not work where I am. I have reported this to AT&T.

  • My Macbook is stuck at the loading screen (the apple with the spinning circle beneath it). I went to Best Buy, they told me to call Apple Help and ask them to restore my unit. But Apple help wont help me without charging me. Help please !!

    My Macbook Pro is stuck at the loading screen (the apple with the spinning circle underneath). I went to Best Buy to get help, and they told me to call Apple Help and ask them to 'restore my unit', which he said is a matter of only about 4 mouse clicks. If it was so easy, I didn't understand why he couldn't do it for me. But he said that even though I have a 3 year warranty and protection plan with them, they were not responsible for this type of problem. Whatever.
    Anyway, so I called Apple Help, and even though he was familiar with my problem, it's been more than 90 days since I purchased the laptop, therefore I'd have to set up a service agreement to get his assistance, meaning I'd have to PAY him. So now i'm stuck, and I'm just hoping somebody knows what to do to help me
    I don't have any disc that I apparently need, and I don't remember ever getting one. However, if there is some other way to fix this issue, please let me know. Thanks for your time and assistance
    Brenna

    HI, have you blown the dust out lately?
    Does it boot better/further if allowed to cool?
    If you're sure the RAM is good, try the Hair Dryer trick...
    http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13240047#13240047
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15223603#15223603
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15499912#15499912
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15613068#15613068
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3270112
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/16053892#16053892
    No power light at all...
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3692775?tstart=0
    It can show on any G5, and even many other computers & electronic devices of the period.
    http://www.macintouch.com/reliability/pmg5.html
    http://lowendmac.com/ppc/power-macintosh-g5.html
    And see this last one in particular...
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/16781690#16781690
    Heat gun better...
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3916312?tstart=0
    If we don't get more help or answers here, feel free to join my site & ask...
    http://x704.net/bbs

  • My MacBook is stuck on the loading screen. Please help! Not sure what to do

    Hi, so my MacBook has stopped working for some reason
    I've just tried switching it on but it has stopped on the loading screen.
    I am scared and not sure what to do.
    Please help!!!

    Take each of these steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved.
    Step 1
    The first step in dealing with a boot failure is to secure your data. If you want to preserve the contents of the startup drive, and you don't already have at least one current backup, you must try to back up now, before you do anything else. It may or may not be possible. If you don't care about the data that has changed since your last backup, you can skip this step.   
    There are several ways to back up a Mac that is unable to boot. You need an external hard drive to hold the backup data.
         a. Boot into the Recovery partition, or from a local Time Machine backup volume (option key at startup.) When the OS X Utilities screen appears, launch Disk Utility and follow the instructions in this support article, under “Instructions for backing up to an external hard disk via Disk Utility.”
    b. If you have access to a working Mac, and both it and the non-working Mac have FireWire or Thunderbolt ports, boot the non-working Mac in target disk mode. Use the working Mac to copy the data to another drive. This technique won't work with USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
    c. If the internal drive of the non-working Mac is user-replaceable, remove it and mount it in an external enclosure or drive dock. Use another Mac to copy the data.
    Step 2
    Press and hold the power button until the power shuts off. Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed to boot, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Use a different keyboard and/or mouse, if those devices are wired. If you can boot now, one of the devices you disconnected, or a combination of them, is causing the problem. Finding out which one is a process of elimination.
    If you've booted from an external storage device, make sure that your internal boot volume is selected in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
    Step 3
    Boot in safe mode. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Post for further instructions.
    Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.
    The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
    When you boot in safe mode, it's normal to see a dark gray progress bar on a light gray background. If the progress bar gets stuck for more than a few minutes, or if the system shuts down automatically while the progress bar is displayed, your boot volume is corrupt and the drive is probably malfunctioning. In that case, go to Step 5.
    If you can boot and log in now, empty the Trash, and then open the Finder Info window on your boot volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name.) Check that you have at least 9 GB of available space, as shown in the window. If you don't, copy as many files as necessary to another volume (not another folder on the same volume) and delete the originals. Deletion isn't complete until you empty the Trash again. Do this until the available space is more than 9 GB. Then reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode.)
    If the boot process hangs again, the problem is likely caused by a third-party system modification that you installed. Post for further instructions.
    Step 4
    Sometimes a boot failure can be resolved by resetting the NVRAM.
    Step 5
    Launch Disk Utility in Recovery mode (see Step 1.) Select your startup volume, then run Repair Disk. If any problems are found, repeat until clear. If Disk Utility reports that the volume can't be repaired, the drive has malfunctioned and should be replaced. You might choose to tolerate one such malfunction in the life of the drive. In that case, erase the volume and restore from a backup. If the same thing ever happens again, replace the drive immediately.
    This is one of the rare situations in which you should also run Repair Permissions, ignoring the false warnings it may produce. Look for the line "Permissions repair complete" at the end of the output. Then reboot as usual.
    Step 6
    Reinstall the OS. If your Mac was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you’ll need the Apple ID and password you used to upgrade.
    Step 7
    Repeat Step 6, but this time erase the boot volume in Disk Utility before installing. The system should automatically reboot into the Setup Assistant. Follow the prompts to transfer your data from a Time Machine or other backup.
    Step 8
    This step applies only to older Macs (not current models) that have a logic-board ("PRAM") battery. Both desktop and portable Macs used to have such a battery. The logic-board battery is separate from the main battery of a portable. A dead logic-board battery can cause a gray screen at boot. Typically the boot failure will be preceded by loss of the startup disk and system clock settings. See the user manual for replacement instructions. You may have to take the machine to a service provider to have the battery replaced.
    Step 9
    If you get this far, you're probably dealing with a hardware fault. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested. If you can't get to an Apple Store, go to another authorized service provider.

  • My macbook is stuck on the startup screen! help!

    Okay so I restarted my macbook when the itunes update came out. And now when I turn it back on it stays on the apple screen with the loading circle. I've tryed all the key commands and stuff. Also I tryed putting my mac os install disc in because some one told me to. And now I have a disc stuck in it. I don't have enough money to take it in. I can't believe I spent 2,000 bucks on this. Someone help!

    Okay so it finally made it to the login screen. When the loading screen popped up it automaticly spammed some random letters. I pressed back and it took forever to get back. And now I finnaly got to my desktop. Its SOOOOO slow now. I tryed opening system preferences and its still loading. What should I do?

  • Macbook Pro stuck on boot-up screen

    When I woke up this morning, I found that my Macbook Pro has turned off while I was sleeping (I have it on constantly for convinence sake because it takes to darn long to boot-up), So I didn't think about it. Untill I found out that it would not boot on. Let me explain what happens
    1) Presses power button
    2) No boot-up sound
    3) Loads up Apple logo
    4) Shows update bar and loading wheel at bottom of the screen
    5) After a few seconds, the bar dissapears.
    6) After a second or two, the wheel stops turning.
    7) Macbook Pro boots off.
    I would really like somebody to help me out.
    Note: I've tried to go into safe mode, but it doesn't want to boot up from that mode either.

    ShadowofColosuss708,
    you can try this: boot your MacBook Pro into Recovery mode by holding down a Command key and the R key as it starts up. Once the  OS X Utilities menu appears, select Disk Utility. On the left-hand side of the Disk Utility window, select your internal disk’s boot partition (typically called “Macintosh HD”). On the right-hand side, press the Verify Disk button if it’s not greyed out; if it is greyed out, or if it reports that errors were found, press the Repair Disk button. Once the verification/repair is completed, exit Disk Utility and select Restart from the Apple menu to restart in normal mode. Does it reach the login screen now?

  • Why is my macbook pro stuck on a blue screen

    I was downloading a program that was put onto a disk image, then my macbook battery died (forgot it was unplugged). When i plugged it back in and booted it back up, it did the usual tone and apple logo/spinning gear. Shortly after it would go to a pale blue screen and occasionally have a spinning gear, but no matter how long i wait it stays on the same screen.
    i have tried everything here:        http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
    except i't wont let me start from the install disk (it just goes to the blue screen)
    i have the mac os x install disk one and two, but im also not sure what one to put in and if these are the right ones anyways.
    I also have a windows xp partition that i CAN access without getting stuck on the blue screen.
    So, is the hard drive corrupt even though i can access the windows partition?
    Do i need to replace the hard drive?
    i cant go to an apple store and get it fixed, i just dont want to drive there (but i will if i need a new hard drive)
    this is my first mac and i have only basic knowledge of the operating system.
    i think it was running on 10.6 (snow leopard), but i only have the install disks that came with my mac.

    To fix your issue is too complicated and lengthy to go into all of it here as it sounds like a hardware issue, it will require the services of person very familiar and experienced with Mac's to first recover your data and then restore OS X back to a functional state which may or may not require new hardware/software installed.
    If your under warranty or AppleCare, take it in for service.
    You can also hire the services of a local Mac computer support technician experienced in these matters.
    Have them look at your Wifi, RAM amount, extra storage and computer backup proceedures in the process.
    Good Luck.

  • Macbook pro stuck at gray startup screen w/ apple and spinning dial

    Hi, every time I try to start my computer, it gets stuck at the gray screen w/ the apple logo and the dial just keeps spinning and spinning like it is loading or something, but nothing changes and I've waited for an hour. What should I do?

    First,
    Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger and Leopard.) After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer. Now shutdown the computer for a couple of minutes and then restart normally.
    If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger, and 4.1 for Leopard) and/or TechTool Pro (4.6.1 for Leopard) to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
    If this doesn't help (and it probably will not) then quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed with the OS X installation until you reach the screen where you select a destination drive. Select your hard drive then click on the Options button. Select the Erase and Install option then click on the OK button. Finish installing OS X.

Maybe you are looking for

  • Bad customer service and warranty question.

    I called a couple days ago to see if could get my lcd bezel fixed, since it just started to crack and the bottom (basically the back of the lid when it's close)  for no reason at all. if i dropped it or did something to break it, i wouldn;t even both

  • Not Writing Captions to IPTC???

    When sorting my images, I need to add; caption, keywords, copyright notice, copyright URL, source, and author. Until now I have always done this using two pages in the File Info Panel; Description and IPTC status. Since upgrading to CS3, all of the l

  • 10.6.8 password service consuming memory

    I have a Mac Pro running 10.6.8 Server. The password service has suddenly started consuming large amounts of memory - 5.1GB of real memory and almost 40GB of virtual - this has spilled over into the swap space and this is growing at about 2GB per day

  • Wifi clients not getting IP addresses

    Hello Experts, I have a Cisco 1140 AP, and using express setup I have cnofigured a IP address to it. This AP is connected to our public network and is configured with a public ip address. We want the guest users to connect to Wifi and gain access to

  • HT6413 problem with server error

    when i try to sign in my appleid using icloud on my pc, it says 'you cant sign in for server error